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The standard in light weight

The MT8 Disc Brake is ethereal in its lightness. In fact, it's Magura's lightest brake ever. However, this doesn't mean that it's light on stopping power. The architecture of the brake lever is based on Magura's proven Marta radial master cylinder design. Only here, it's made of a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic rather than die cast aluminum.

Magura ensures the quality of this process, called CarboTecture, because it does the manufacturing in its own facilities. It developed this new technology in order to create a brake that excels in all four categories of its design focus — weight, heat stability, braking power, and ergonomics. The light overall weight is evidenced by the numbers, but how does the brake feel? We've ridden them, and they compare favorably with the Marta SL (one of our best-selling brakes of all time) in terms of total power and modulation control.

And while the general layout is the same as the Marta, changes abound to make this an entirely better brake. From a bike build standpoint, the banjo fitting on the MT8 caliper is one of the best aspects. This means that you'll be able to route the hose cleanly along frame members no matter what the mount configuration is. It's an aesthetics issue, but also the only gripe we ever had with Marta brakes. The two piston, forged aluminum caliper features a double arch design, similar to Magura's fork crown. This adds stiffness to an otherwise superlight caliper body. The pistons are made of thermoplastic, which helps to insulate the fluid from the heat generated in the brake pads. This improves the brake performance on steep, enduring descents. Changing pads has been made easier than ever since the calipers use a top loading design. This way, you're able to change pads without removing the wheel.

The CarboTecture master cylinder is stiffer, lighter, and stronger than comparable parts made of aluminum or magnesium. In a truly inspired move, Magura created both sides the same. You're now able to run your levers on either side of the bike, and it won't matter because there's a bleed screw on top and bottom. Magura's Easy Bleed Technology (EBT) means that maintenance is simple and mess-free — no more opening the reservoir and sloshing oil all over your bike and the floor. It should be noted that Magura relies on a system that uses mineral oil rather than DOT-approved brake fluid. The simple reason is that it is non-corrosive and non- toxic. The MT8 brakes come with a five-year leakproof warranty, and they're Matchmaker compatible, so you're able to mount your SRAM trigger shifters on the same clamps as your brakes.

Part of the supreme light weight of the MT8 disc brakes is due to the encompassing effort to reduce weight wherever Magura could. In addition to the CarboTecture lever body, Magura uses a carbon fiber lever and handlebar clamp, along with alloy hardware throughout.

The Magura MT8 Disc Brake is composed of a pre-bled lever/hose/caliper assembly. The price is per set, so buy two sets for one bike. The calipers are designed for post-mount applications. Adapters for IS tabs are available and sold separately.

Rotors are sold separately and are available in six-bolt and Centerlock —160, 180, and 203mm. Our actual weight reflects the brakes as sold. For reference, the entire system with a 160mm Storm SL rotor weighs around 296 grams.

Here's what others have to say...

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rode hard/put away wet

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I've spent a year on these brakes now and haven't touched them once. Ride one day in the snow, the next day in swampy heat - no lever pump or pad drag. They work better with a 180mm rotor up front to give you a little more power after the initial bite (than a 160) but over all I've been quite pleased with the power of what you'd think is just a XC brake. For me, I want a brake that always works, has consistent lever feel and power, and doesn't need any sort of surprise maintenance.